Join Britain’s largest volunteer scheme on the King’s Coronation Day, urges Head Scout Bear Grylls

THESE are hard times. The days are cold and dark and people are working twice as hard to keep our schools, hospitals and many other essential services running.

We all need a moment of light to look forward to this year. Something that brings us closer, but also shows that we are there for each other.

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That’s why we came up with The Big Help Out.

It takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 8th, as the culmination of the Coronation weekend.

We’re all about doing one small thing that makes a big difference – helping in the places where we live.

Whether it’s visiting a lonely neighbor, cleaning up that unloved part of the local park, or volunteering with Scouts or Guides, this is our chance to see the difference volunteering can make.

Who knows, maybe it’s just the beginning of something (or another amazing chapter in your volunteer life).

Organized by the Together Coalition, which made Thank You Day such a joyful part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee last summer, it’s a day to change things for the better.

Almost two-thirds of us volunteer every year, and over 40 percent volunteer at least once a month.

This incredible generosity is what makes this country truly great.

We are a diverse nation of people and communities looking out for one another.

We’ve seen this especially in the pandemic, when so many vaccination centers have supported and delivered food and medicine to the vulnerable.

As Chief Scout, I am so proud that Scouts have played a key role in this effort. They also sent tens of thousands of cards and gifts to people in care homes.

In Boy Scouts, we make a promise to help other people.

We will be active in our communities on May 8th, celebrating and giving people opportunities to try activities and volunteering.

Hundreds of other charities will do the same.

It’s a kindness revolution and it’s about making a big difference together.

Why we need you

And here’s the thing.

You don’t need to have any special skills to volunteer, just a big heart and a little time.

The only superpower you need is your kindness.

People from all walks of life will roll up their sleeves and get involved.

But if you have a special talent to share, from DIY to gardening, then we want to hear about it.

Handy with a drill? There is a role for you.

Good with people? We need your help.

The best tea maker in the family? You will be indispensable.

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Here’s how you can get involved

Visit thebighelpout.org.uk.

On the site you can find the jobs you need most and find out what’s happening in your area.

We want to hear from you, even if you only have an hour and the only thing you have to offer is your enthusiasm and smile.

These are the most important precious gifts of all.

A moment in history

We will look back on this day with pride for years to come.

We will remember Coronation weekend, not just as a moment in history, but as a time when we stood up and made change.

When we thought of others before ourselves and gave the best of ourselves in true selflessness.

Change doesn’t just happen. people make it possible.

I want young people, families, neighbors and friends old and new to come together and play their part.

It’s an incredible feeling to be part of something bigger and to know that you’re doing something special.

Most importantly, let’s have fun while we do it.

Let’s make this spring a stepping stone to a brighter, more hopeful future.

His Majesty King Charles III. has already shown that service is at the heart of his vision for the nation.

The Big Help Out makes this possible.

But that is only possible if we all do our part. If we volunteer together, we can achieve so much.

In fact, it could change everything.

PLUS: TELL US YOUR CORONATION MEMORIES

Do you remember the 1953 coronation? Were you among the 8,000 people who packed into Westminster Abbey? Did you see the parade through London?

Or were you among the millions who first watched TV when the Queen’s coronation was televised?

Maybe there was a party on your street? Or were your parents at the event?

Tell us YOUR coronation stories by going online at thesun.co.uk/theking.

You can upload pictures – and don’t forget to let us know how we can reach you.

We will publish as many stories as possible in the run-up to the king’s coronation.